Podcast // Football, KSA, UAE // 1 hr 18 mins

The Unstoppable Rise of Maria Khan: From Backup Keeper to Pro Footballer

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Tune in to The Mettleset podcast for an inspiring conversation with Maria Khan, the remarkable captain of the Pakistan women’s football team. This episode charts her incredible journey from a young football enthusiast in the U.S. to a professional footballer signing her first contract at 32 in Saudi Arabia.

Maria, who hails from a family of sporting legends, shares how her early experiences as a Division 1 backup goalkeeper shaped her resilience. She opens up about rediscovering her passion for the sport in Pakistan and the immense pride of captaining the national team.

The episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of a female athlete’s career, including navigating fertility, family planning, and evolving maternity policies. Maria also highlights the critical role of supportive environments, corporate backing, and strong leadership in the world of women’s football.

Don’t miss this powerful discussion about the growth of women’s sports and the importance of visibility and advocacy for the next generation of athletes.

๐ŸŽง  Listen to the episode now

๐Ÿ“ทย  Maria Khan on Instagram: @mariajamilakhan

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ This episode of The Mettleset Podcast is supported by New Balance.

Nourelhoda Arafa

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